Hida Kotte-ushi | Review by 王小鈞

Osaka Duck Tour

Osaka was once called the city of water, latticed by rivers like the lines of a net. While many have been filled today, waterways still all but hug the city center, setting the stage for picturesque illuminations along the bridges and neighboring buildings. With the Osaka Duck Tour you can enjoy all the sights and more of the former city of water, by riding a bus across land and water.

• Osaka
• Experiences Facilities

I originally thought it would just be a sightseeing bus ride, but the moment I looked forward to most turned out to be when it plunged straight into the river! Watching the bus go from land right onto the water really makes you want to gasp along with everyone else.
Along the way, you pass famous sights like Osaka Castle and Osaka City Hall. Seeing Osaka's streets and riverfront from a different perspective feels very refreshing. Especially once you reach the Okawa River, the scenery on both sides and the bridges slowly glide past, really giving you a sense of Osaka as a "city of water."
If it's your first time in Osaka, I highly recommend this experience. You don't have to walk constantly, and you get to discover Osaka from both land and water. It's fun and a little thrilling, and definitely a tour you'll remember.

Nakanoshima

Nakanoshima is a lush, green and iconic city area known for Aqua Metropolis Osaka that’s tucked between the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers. Home to one of Osaka’s known business districts, the area is lined with a mixture of skyscrapers, modern architecture and office buildings.

• Osaka
• Famous Places

If your feet are sore from shopping, escape to Nakanoshima and unwind for a while! Surrounded by two rivers, it can make you forget you're still in central Osaka. There are historic buildings on one side and skyscrapers on the other, and the two styles go surprisingly well together. Strolling along the river and enjoying the breeze, you'll see people jogging and walking their dogs, as well as sightseeing boats slowly passing by. Everything feels more relaxed. There's no particular attraction you have to visit—just wander around and take pictures wherever you like. Every corner feels pleasant, and it unexpectedly became the most relaxing stop of the trip.

Oasis 21

The Oasis 21 is famous for its symbolic glass roof, also known as the “Spaceship-Aqua ”. The facility has a bus terminal and is also connected to the subway and the Meitetsu line .Located within the heart of Nagoya city, the facility is known to be a photogenic location due to the illuminations lighting up the skyline.

• Nagoya
• Commercial Buildings

I had been looking forward to walking around Oasis 21, but it rained that day, so I could only take a quick look while holding an umbrella. That was a bit disappointing.

Even though the weather didn’t cooperate, the glass-roofed Spaceship-Aqua was still distinctive, and the rain gave it a different kind of atmosphere. I’ve heard the nighttime illumination is gorgeous, and you can photograph it together with the nearby Nagoya TV Tower. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay long this time. I’ll have to come back on a sunny day for a leisurely stroll and take the photos I missed.